50. Just Say No: Write about the power you felt when you told someone no.
As a 50+ female, being acquiescent has been stuffed deep into my DNA. Growing up, this mostly manifested as not having good personal or emotional boundaries. I believed that if I said no, I would be rejected or belittled. I was several years into therapy before I could even understand the concept of boundaries. I can say “no”? What is this madness of which you speak?
My life has been about going-along to get-along. As mentioned in a previous post, I am conflict adverse and spend much energy in avoiding disagreeing or saying no.
I had to first identify that I didn’t want to do something, believe that my choice was valid, get courage to say something, and then actually set a boundary. It’s scary but worth it. It’s powerful to protect myself.
